Issue link: https://geospatial.trimble.com/en/resources/i/1415432
88 Spring 2019 trace cables and also provide the ability to repair, replace, or perform maintenance on them without emptying vessels or halting production. Keep it simple When it comes to deciding on a heating system, simple is best. The more complex the system, the greater the opportunity for failure or complication. In a harsh climate, these risks are exacerbated. One of the advantages of an electric industrial heater is that it is less complex than a fossil fuel system. There are fewer moving parts and they have a simple design. Without internal combustion, they also experience less wear and tear. The simple design helps them last longer and makes them easier to maintain. Preventing freezing after throttling Another cold weather issue that can occur with natural gas is freezing after throttling. When natural gas is throttled it has a sudden pressure drop – known as the Joules-Thomson effect. This drop in pressure results in a signifi cant drop in temperature. This presents a problem should the temperature drop below the freezing point of water. If there is any water present in the gas it is likely to freeze and the ice can clog the system and cause ineffi ciencies or damage. Electric heaters apply the Joules-Thomson coeffi cient to manage this issue. This is used to determine how much the temperature will drop, on average, after throttling. The electric heater then preheats the gas by the same amount it will drop, right before throttling. This effectively prevents the risk of freezing. For example, a pipeline transporting gas at 1200 psig and 68˚F, draws 1000 lb/hr and is throttled down to 15 psig. By applying the Joules-Thomson coeffi cient, the temperature would drop to -15˚F without preheating. This would have a high risk of freezing the supply system. Preheating is then set to account for this drop. Generally, the Joules-Thomson coeffi cient will add a 25% safety margin to account for any changes or irregularities. Using electric heat in colder climates Using electric heat in colder climates is an ideal solution for most oil, gas and petrochemical companies. However, to be used to its full potential it is essential that the systems, processes, and heater settings are selected with the climate in mind. AD INDEX Page Number | Advertiser 15 | AMETEK Drexelbrook 37 | ATEC Steel, LLC 45 | Auma 77 | BREEZE OBC | Burns & McDonnell 61 | BUCHEN-ICS GmbH 65 | Cool Sorption 41 | Crown Oil Environmental Ltd 80 & 84 | Easyfairs IFC | Gauging Systems Inc. 55 | Hexagon PPM 02 | HMT 79 | ILTA 57 | John Zink Hamworthy Combustion 07 | JT Thorpe 47 | Kanon Loading Equipment 16 & 17 | Matrix Applied Technologies 33 | Matrix Service Company 83 | MESA Products 04 | Midwest Steel Co. Inc. 87 | NISTM 11 | Oreco 66, 70 & 74 | Palladian Publications 42 | Plexus OFC & 51 | Purgit 73 | Rembe ® GmbH Safety + Control 09 | Rosen IBC | Swiss Fire Protection Research & Development AG 52 | Tanco Engineering, Inc. 58 | Tank Connection 25 | TEAM Inc. 69 | Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia 21 | Varec